Optical Interferometric Scanning Detector for Cardiovascular Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cardiovascular function monitoring, such as ultrasound, electrocardiography, and stethoscope auscultation, are inadequate for early detection of cardiovascular diseases due to limitations in providing comprehensive information on both heart and blood vessel functions, especially in noisy environments and are not portable or cost-effective for multi-functional detection.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized handheld device utilizing integrated photonics technology with an optical interferometric scanning sensor chipset, control and data processing unit, and communication unit for non-invasive detection of cardiovascular signals through 1D laser beam scanning and tracking, enabling quantitative assessment of heart and blood vessel functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods (ultrasound, ECG, stethoscope) are used for cardiovascular monitoring, then comprehensive information on heart and blood vessels can be obtained, but the device portability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cardiovascular monitoring devices (ultrasound machines, ECG equipment, stethoscopes) with an optical detection system that uses laser beams and optical interferometry to detect cardiovascular signals. This substitution enables comprehensive cardiovascular monitoring while achieving miniaturization and portability, as optical components can be integrated into compact handheld devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection device is designed to perform multiple cardiovascular detection functions simultaneously - detecting heart beats, heart sounds, pulse waves, and turbulent blood flow through the skin surface. This multi-functional capability replaces multiple separate traditional devices with a single portable unit, improving both measurement precision and device portability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional stethoscope auscultation is used, then heart sounds can be detected, but sensitivity deteriorates in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stethoscope with an optical detection system that uses laser interferometry to detect skin surface movements caused by heart sounds. This optical approach is not susceptible to ambient acoustic noise, thereby maintaining high sensitivity for heart sound detection even in noisy environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (laser beam and optical interferometer) to detect cardiovascular signals indirectly through skin surface movements rather than directly listening to sounds. This intermediary approach converts acoustic signals into optical measurements, eliminating the problem of ambient noise interference while preserving heart sound detection capability.
3Loss of time
If early detection of cardiovascular diseases is pursued, then diagnostic timing is improved, but detection sensitivity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system provides enhanced sensitivity compared to traditional methods by detecting minute skin surface movements caused by early-stage cardiovascular abnormalities. The laser interferometric technique can detect sub-micrometer displacements, enabling earlier detection of cardiovascular diseases before severe symptoms manifest.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable optical device enables preliminary cardiovascular screening that can be performed outside hospitals and clinics. Users can conduct early detection screenings in their homes or workplaces, allowing cardiovascular abnormalities to be identified earlier and referred to medical professionals before conditions worsen.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides comprehensive, early-stage detection of cardiovascular abnormalities with improved sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, capable of detecting heart beats, heart sounds, and turbulent blood flow, even in noisy environments, through integrated photonics technology and wireless communication.
Implementation Method 1
optical interferometric laser scanning beam as the probing signal
Implementation Method 2
optical interferometric laser scanning beam
Implementation Method 3
laser-based interferometer system to produce a waveform that is representative of continuous blood pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the present invention is to disclose a novel optical miniaturized handheld medical device for convenient monitoring and/or data collection of detailed signals on human cardiovascular function. The implementation consists of a number of advanced technologies, including interferometric detection, phase controlled focusing beam steering, auto-tracking scheme and algorism, and integrated optical chip assembly to enhance the device's performance and miniaturization. Briefly, this handheld medical device directs a single or dual output laser beam(s) onto certain skin surface to detect the surface vibration velocity at the point where the laser hits the surface. The skin surface vibrates in response to cardiovascular signals, such as blood pressure pulses, turbulent blood flow through narrowed arteries, pumping actions of the heart, or the closure of the heart valves etc. The miniaturized apparatus thus is capable of detecting these signals for the assessment of cardiovascular functions in both healthy and disease conditions.